1957 (Italian Mid-Century Modern)
1958 (Mid-Century Modern / early Space Age)Egg Chair
1929 (Bauhaus / early modernism)Barcelona Chair
1956 (Mid-Century Modern)Eames Lounge Chair
1949 (Danish Modern)Wishbone ChairAll iconic furniture →
Superleggera Chair
Gio Ponti — Cassina, Italy
Gio Ponti's Superleggera makes lightness visible through slender timber members, a fine seat and carefully resolved joints.
From Chiavari to Superleggera
Introduced by Cassina in 1957, the chair grew from Ponti's study of the lightweight chairs of Chiavari. Its delicate proportions result from structural refinement as well as visual decisions.
Look at the connections
The slim wooden parts leave an open outline. Their joints and transitions are central to the design. Seat material and finish vary, so look at the particular version rather than the name alone.
Keep a dining space open
A plain tabletop gives the fine frame a clear setting. Try the seat and inspect joints on older examples: a light appearance is not a condition report.
More design classics
1958 (Mid-Century Modern / early Space Age)Egg Chair1929 (Bauhaus / early modernism)Barcelona Chair1956 (Mid-Century Modern)Eames Lounge Chair1949 (Danish Modern)Wishbone Chair